As we close in on the 50 percent mark (that’s half, for those unfamiliar with the concept of percentages) of the regular season almost in the can, the playoffs are coming. And it is still not known where the last game of the first round will be broadcast.
In 2021, the NFL moved one of the six wild-card games to Monday nights. ESPN was the exclusive home for Monday night’s playoff game. ESPN’s contractual right to do so expired last year.
As noted by Drew Lerner i Terrible announcementTGL schedule on ESPN it highlights uncertainty whether or not ESPN will broadcast an NFL game on Monday night, January 18.
Last year, Fox, CBS, NBC, Prime Video and ESPN aired wild card games. If the Monday night game remains available to anyone, any of them can place the game – for the right price.
It’s also possible, in theory, that Netflix could swoop in and hijack the game. This is how Netflix has revealed its NFL strategy in recent years. When no one expects it, boom, here’s Netflix with another game to “happen”.
Monday night’s game would suit Netflix’s current aspirations. And, with six first-round games and six table partners, each of them could end up with a wild card game.
It doesn’t really matter to the fans. The game will take place somewhere. For the networks, the prospect of getting Monday night’s game matters a lot.
